Notice of Data Incident
August 1, 2023

Dear Patients:
We post this Notice pursuant to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) to inform you about a data incident involving an unauthorized release of patient Protected Health Information (“PHI”), as that is defined by HIPAA, at Gary Motykie, M.D., a Medical Corporation and Gary Motykie, M.D. (“Practice”), a covered entity under HIPAA.

PHI, as defined by HIPAA, is information that is “created, received, maintained, or transmitted by or on behalf of the health care component of the Covered Entity.” § 164.105 (a)(2)(i)(D). Information that is created or received by a Covered Entity and that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual is considered PHI. PHI is required to be protected when transmitted or maintained in any form by a Covered Entity. Individual identifiers (including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, fax, email address, social security number, medical record number, etc.) maintained in a designated record set along with health information (including but not limited to x-rays, images, scans, physician notes, diagnoses, treatment, eligibility approvals, claims, remittances, etc.) are collectively considered PHI.

Event Description:
On or about June 6, 2023, an initial technical analysis of the Practice’s information technology network determined an unauthorized release of PHI occurred to an unknown third party. The initial analysis determined that the unknown third party accessed the Practice’s network. It was further determined that the unknown third party acquired some of the Practice’s patient’s unencrypted PHI and that party was not authorized to do so and did so in an unlawful manner.

The information that may have been accessed or acquired during this unauthorized access included:

  • First and last name 
  • Social Security Number (if provided)
  • Address
  • Driver’s license or identification card number
  • Financial account or payment card number, in combination with any required CVV code
  • Intake forms, which may include medical information and history
  • Images taken in connection with the services rendered at our office
  • Health insurance information (if provided)
Steps Taken to Address:
Upon discovery, the Practice took the following immediate steps to address the situation:
  • Computers and servers replaced
  • Network passwords changed
  • Endpoint detection, virus, and malware detection tools and software installed on workstations and server
  • Limitations concerning Internet access
  • Access controls put in place for users based on role and responsibility
  • Server policies in place
  • Device locking mechanisms
  • Multi factor authentication enabled
  • Network segregation efforts
  • Encryption of devices
  • Additional workforce training
Risk Assessment:

The Practice conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the potential harm to potentially impacted individuals. Based on that assessment, it is determined that there is a high risk of harm. It is essential for potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant in monitoring their personal accounts and data and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or their financial institutions.

Assistance and Resources:
Starting on or about June 22, 2023, letters were mailed to patients providing the following resources to assist the potentially impacted individuals, offering at no cost:
  • two (2) years of no cost Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring/Triple Bureau Credit Report/Triple Bureau Credit Score/Cyber Monitoring services.
  • the services also include reviewing whether Information appears on the dark web and alert the individual if such Information is found online.
  • proactive fraud assistance to help with any questions in event a potentially impacted persons becomes a victim of fraud.

Steps to Prevent Future Incidents: We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this Incident may cause. The Practice is taking numerous steps to help prevent similar Incidents in the future. We will continue to review and enhance our security measures, policies, and employee training.

If you failed to receive your letter in the mail, and/or if there is a concern your mailing address has changed since you were a patient at the Practice, please contact 1-800-405-6108 or call our office immediately at 310-246-2355 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

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What is Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?

What is Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?

What is Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?Otoplasty, commonly known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape one or both ears in proportion to the rest of the face. Protruding, asymmetrical or drooping ears can be corrected easily with this outpatient surgery. Earlobe reduction and re-contouring excess skin and cartilage may also be performed as a part of the surgery.

Dr. Gary Motykie is an experienced cosmetic surgeon providing otoplasty and other surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

With otoplasty procedure, patients can expect to enjoy several benefits. This plastic surgery procedure is relatively safer and involves minimal risk. A wide range of aesthetic imperfections of the teeth can be corrected with otoplasty. Children who suffer teasing by peers can get the condition corrected at an early age. Self esteem and confidence of the patient will improve.

Scarring with otoplasty is minimal once healing is completed. The downtime involved in this surgery is low, and most patients will recover within a week. Results are natural looking and can be customized according to the specific aesthetic needs of the patient. Leading cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Motykie provides this surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby locations.

Good Candidates

Children or adults who are unhappy with the shape, size or appearance of one or both ears may benefit from otoplasty. Children who wish to avoid being teased by their friends at school, and adults who are unhappy or over-conscious about the unsightly or disproportionate look of their ears can make fantastic candidates for this procedure. Individuals who have experienced trauma to their ears may also receive aesthetic restoration of the ear shape with otoplasty.

Ear Pinning and Other Otoplasty Techniques

This procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped and the excess skin is removed through the incision. The ear may be repositioned closer to the head. If the patient suffers from protruding ears, the surgeon may use the ear pinning technique to position the ears closer to the sides of the head. Ear pinning includes cartilage sparing, skin removal from the back of the ear, and scoring techniques.

Cartilage scoring or cutting techniques involve incisions in the cartilage to add, remove or rearrange the tissue. Scarring may occur, but it will remain largely invisible in this technique. In the cartilage sparing technique, the surgeon will make use of sutures to change the shape and position of the ears. Cartilage sparing is a non-invasive technique, which can provide smooth, natural looking curvatures without the risk of scarring.

Reconstructive Otoplasty

Reconstructive otoplasty may be recommended when ear-related injuries or deformities need to be addressed. Congenital birth defects of the ear such as Microtia may be corrected with reconstructive otoplasty. Injuries to the ears, such as burns, lacerations, and torn piercings can be addressed with a reconstructive procedure. It combines various surgical techniques to rebuild a natural looking human ear. Cartilage or skin graft may also be used in this procedure.

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

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